Ubud is about 36 km from Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS), and the drive usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic. The easiest option is a pre-booked private transfer for about IDR 400,000–450,000 (US$22–25) per car; the airport taxi counter charges a fixed IDR 350,000–450,000, and Grab or Gojek can be cheaper. Public buses exist but need a change and suit only light luggage.
Bali airport to Ubud: quick comparison
| Option | Price (IDR and approx. USD) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private transfer | About IDR 400,000–450,000 (US$22–25) per car; larger vans about IDR 850,000 | 1–2 hours | First-time visitors, families, late arrivals |
| Airport taxi counter | Fixed zone fare, about IDR 350,000–450,000 (US$19–25) | 1–2 hours | Arriving without a booking |
| Grab or Gojek | About IDR 200,000–320,000 (US$11–18) plus a small airport fee | 1–2 hours, plus waiting for a driver | Lowest car fare |
| Trans Metro Dewata bus (2 buses) | IDR 4,400 per ride, IDR 8,800 in total | Several hours with the change | Very light luggage and tight budgets |
👉 Compare Denpasar to Ubud transfers and shuttles on Bookaway
How far is Ubud from Bali airport, and how long does it take?
The road distance is about 36–37 km. Published estimates range from 60–90 minutes (Visit Bali) to 1½–2 hours (Bali Holiday Secrets, July 2026). The slowest parts are usually around the airport and central Ubud; late-afternoon traffic from about 4pm can add another half hour, while late-night arrivals are often quicker.
Leaving the airport can also take time when several flights land together, so add 20–30 minutes for immigration, baggage and finding your driver before you plan dinner or a check-in time in Ubud.
Private airport transfer to Ubud
A pre-booked car is the least stressful choice: the driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign, the price is fixed in advance, and tolls and parking are normally included. One Ubud-based operator lists IDR 450,000 for a car carrying up to six people and IDR 850,000 for a 7–12 seat van (Ubud Center, July 2026); booking platforms show private transfers from about US$13–27. Many Ubud hotels also arrange pickups, so ask your accommodation for its price first.
Send your flight number when booking. A reputable driver tracks delays and waits; confirm the waiting time included and the WhatsApp number to contact if you cannot find each other.
How much is a taxi from Bali airport to Ubud?
The official taxi counters in the arrivals area sell fixed, zone-based tickets. For Ubud, current guides list about IDR 350,000–450,000 (US$19–25) per car (Visit Bali, checked September 2026; Balitouristic, October 2026). Pay at the counter and keep the receipt.
Ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal offering “taxi, transport”: they are unlicensed, quote higher prices and may stop for “extra” fees on the way. Blue Bird metered taxis are not allowed to pick up at arrivals, so the official counter or a pre-booked car is simpler.
How much is a Grab from Bali airport to Ubud?
Grab and Gojek usually quote around IDR 200,000–320,000 (US$11–18) to Ubud, plus an airport exit fee of about IDR 10,000–12,000, though prices rise at busy times (Balitouristic, October 2026). Both apps have designated pickup points at the terminal: book in the app, then follow the signs to the Grab or Gojek pickup area rather than meeting the driver at the arrivals door.
Ride-hailing pickups at Bali airport have been a sensitive issue with local transport groups, and rules on where drivers may wait have changed over time. If the app shows long waits, or you arrive late at night with heavy luggage, the taxi counter or a pre-booked car is the safer bet. You will need mobile data on landing, so set up an eSIM before you fly; our guide to the best eSIM for Bali and Indonesia compares the options.
Is there a bus from Bali airport to Ubud?
Yes, but it is slow and involves a change. Bali’s public Trans Metro Dewata bus network is running again in 2026. Corridor K2B links the airport with Ubung terminal, and corridor K4B runs from Ubung to the central parking area near Ubud’s Monkey Forest. Each ride costs IDR 4,400 (about US$0.25) and must be paid by QRIS, not cash (Wandopia, October 2026).
Buses run roughly 05:00–18:30, waits can exceed 20 minutes, and there is no luggage hold, so this only makes sense with a backpack and a daytime arrival. Take the airport bus before about 17:30 to make the connection.
The Kura-Kura tourist shuttle does not stop at the airport. Its Kuta–Ubud line leaves from Lippo Mall Kuta, about a 15–20 minute walk away, and costs IDR 100,000 one way to Ubud (Kura-Kura Bus).
What to know before you leave the airport
- Tourist levy: foreign visitors pay Bali’s IDR 150,000 (about US$8) levy once per visit. It is easiest to pay online in advance through the official Love Bali site and keep the voucher on your phone.
- Cash: drivers usually want rupiah. Withdraw a small amount at an airport ATM, and decline the machine’s currency conversion.
- Address: save your hotel’s map pin. Many Ubud villas are down narrow lanes where cars stop at the road and staff walk you in.
Ubud to Bali airport: how early should you leave?
Allow 1½–2 hours for the drive, more in the late afternoon, and aim to reach the airport about 2–3 hours before an international flight. In practice that means leaving Ubud around 4–5 hours before departure. Private transfers in this direction are slightly cheaper; Ubud Center lists IDR 400,000 per car. Grab and Gojek also work well from Ubud, and many hotels have a fixed-price driver.
Is 2 days enough for Ubud?
Two days covers the Monkey Forest, the Campuhan Ridge walk, a rice-terrace visit and an evening dance performance. Three or four days is more relaxed and leaves time for a day trip to the temples or waterfalls. Because the airport transfer takes up to two hours each way, avoid squeezing Ubud into a single night.
Where to stay in Ubud
Central Ubud, around Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman, is best for walking to cafés and the palace. Penestanan and Sayan are quieter, with rice-field and valley views, but you will rely on scooters or drivers. Check whether your hotel is reachable by car if you have heavy luggage.
👉 Compare hotels in Ubud on Booking.com
Planning the rest of the trip? See is Bali safe for scams and road safety, and our guides from Bali to the Gili Islands, Bali to Lombok and Bali to Komodo.
For more routes, costs and practical planning, explore all our Indonesia travel guides.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way from Bali airport to Ubud?
The Trans Metro Dewata bus at IDR 8,800 for both legs, but it is slow and impractical with luggage. By car, Grab or Gojek is usually cheapest.
Should I book an airport transfer in advance?
For a first visit, a late arrival or a family with luggage, yes. A fixed price and a driver waiting with your name avoids queues and touts.
Can I use Grab at Bali airport?
Yes, from the designated pickup areas. Book in the app after collecting your bags and follow the signs to the pickup point.
How long is the drive from Ubud to the airport?
Usually 1½–2 hours, longer in the late afternoon. Leave Ubud 4–5 hours before an international departure.
Do I need cash for the taxi?
Bring some rupiah. Many drivers prefer cash, while Grab, Gojek and many booking platforms accept cards.
Prices and times checked on November 10, 2026.
